Utane – It is a powder containing various ingredients such as Kapur (camphor), Chandan (sandalwood), Haldi (Haridra – turmeric), Manjistha (a herbal blood purifier), extract of rose petals, orange peel, amla churna (powder of amla fruit) and powder of some other herbal flowers. Utane is readily available at market. It is mixed properly with coconut oil and applied on hair, head and body before abhyanga snan.

Marathi people believe that playing with colours and soil (dhuli) is an auspicious activity. In North India (Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, etc.), on Dhulivandan day, Vasantotsav (Basant Utsav) is celebrated. To mark the demolition of devils by Lord Krishna, Vasantosav is celebrated.

It is believed on this day Lord Shiva turned Kama (Manmadha) to ashes, hence to commemorate the event Dhulivandan is celebrated in Maharashtra.